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Since the Siamese cat reached England in 1884, this outstanding race found many lovers.
The big difference between a Siamese cat and his cousins of other breeds is found not
only in the blue eyes and the restriction of colour to points. Almost every cat will give his
friendship to man, but for devotion to his master or mistress there is no cat like the Siamese.
This cats, known only to a few in the beginning, have risen with meteoric swiftness in popular
esteem, and no cat-lover who has met them will wonder that.
To describe the special character of the Siamese cat, I copy a capital from the amusing "Siamese Cat Book" written by Vera M. Nelson for you here. It really hits the point!
"The character of the Siamese cat is one of definite lines, for he is a persistent, though ingratiating creature. What he wants, he wants now, not an hour from now, nor at your convenience, but NOW! Unless he gets it, he tells the world his tale of woe, or sulks like a spoiled child, whining about his troubles until you give in and grant his heart's desire.
The Siamese is affection personified on four feet, his demonstrations almost too much, at times. He loves you, and you must be so informed at very frequent intervals or he is unhappy. When you sit down, he sits, too - on you! This is very flattering, of course, but it can be disconcerting to have to spend some time removing what seems to be the major part of his coat from your clothing when he finally leaves you. You learn to dress for the cat - don't laugh, it's true! You find yourself, when you go shopping for a suit or dress, automatically thinking of how the cat hair will appear or be hidden.
When you go to bed, so does he, on top of your cover, or, if you are a soft-hearted soul, under them, pressed like a plaster to your back or side. This way you get a lullaby, of course, being sung to sleep to the tune of his thunderous purr of satisfaction. It makes you feel that you must be a deserving creature to be honoured with this demonstration of your worth.
Each Siamese has his or her own way of showing affection. My own dear pet sits in my lap and stared at my face, finally reaching up and patting me softly. Often I am roused in the night by her touch, and think she is assuring herself that I am really there with her. When I speak, she answers, and we carryon some very long and, I am sure, intelligent conversations. It does seem, after living with Siamese for many years, that one should understand them - their kittens do, and they are much younger than we. One does come to understand the hunger cry, which is a loud "mauerrr," and the meow of content, which is soft and well mixes with purrs.
Curiosity is perhaps the most notable characteristic of the Siamese. Just open the refrigerator door and he'll appear, as if by magic, looking for a tidbit. One must be careful of doors, even those of refrigerators, for it is not rare for Baby to disappear, and the owner to search frantically for the lost lamb, only to remember that the last time she saw Baby was when she was alt the "frig." A hurried yank at the door, and out comes Baby, rather crackly from the cold, his whiskers nicely frosted, and a look in his eye which expresses his satisfaction with the content of the larder. He'll sleep for an hour or two in a warm spot and, by the grace of some feline guardian angel, be none the worse for his experience.
Line Closets, where all the nicely ironed sheets, cases, towels, and other things are kept, are full of fascination for Baby. At any opportunity he creeps in and enjoys his siesta among the linens. I'm afraid the neatness of the closet is not quite the same after his nap; but what matter, he's worth all the trouble he causes, and his tricks, though sometimes aggravating, are still amusing."
From the point of view of cat-lovers in general it is extremly interesting to notice the difference
between modern Siamese cats of today and those of earlier years. Todays "typey" cats are
long and slender. The head has to be long and the ears are rather large.
Many people prefer the "oldfashioned" rounder type, found in most Siamese cats until 1960.
This is, why the breed Thai was created in Germany. It should be only
a new name for the traditional form of the Siamese cat.
So Germany is unfortunately the only country that does not accept the everywhere in the world
established (though not registered by every CatClub) three forms, the modern or wedge Siamese, the Classic
and the Traditionall Form.
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Siamese Traditionell (Thai) |
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Siamese Classic |
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Siamese Wedge, modern typ |
You may choose by yourself which type you prefer. Although they look different, regarding
to their temper and for their ancestors, it is almost the same breed. The similarities as well as
the differences can be expressed with words nothing as much becomes evident from the foto.
(To see the enlarged picture please click onto the preview)
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